This Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake is a dense, New York–style baked cheesecake made completely egg-free — no substitutes needed. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly sliceable, with a chocolate Oreo crust and smooth Baileys flavor in every bite. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I really make a classic baked cheesecake without eggs?” — the answer is yes. This recipe gives you that bakery-style texture without the stress, making it perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, birthdays, or elegant family celebrations.
Check out my tried and true Classic Cheesecake recipe without eggs!

Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe

Cheesecake, especially, can feel intimidating when you can’t rely on eggs for structure. But I’ve spent years perfecting egg-free baking that tastes just as good as the classics.
This Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake is everything I love about a classic New York–style dessert — dense, creamy, elegant — but completely egg-free. And not “egg-free with substitutes”… just beautifully made without them. That makes my allergy-mom heart so happy.
The first time I sliced into this one and saw that thick, clean cut — just like the cheesecakes behind a bakery glass case — I knew it was a keeper. The chocolate Oreo crust paired with the smooth Baileys Irish Cream takes it to another level. It feels celebration-worthy without being complicated. And the best part? It’s completely egg-free.
Why You’ll Want to Try My Recipe


Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes
Scroll down to the recipe card for all the details, including measurements and instructions.
For the Crust:
- Oreo Cookies (with filling): These create a deep chocolate base that pairs beautifully with the Irish cream. No need to remove the filling.
- Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and creates that firm, sliceable crust.
For the Filling:
- Cornstarch: This is key! It helps set the cheesecake in place of eggs and gives it that dense texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds balanced sweetness without overpowering the Baileys flavor.
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Use full-fat for the proper New York–style texture. Reduced-fat won’t give the same richness.
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and structure. It also contributes to the smooth, creamy consistency.
- Irish Cream Liqueur: The star flavor! It adds warmth and depth.
- Heavy Cream: Enhances richness and smooth texture.
- Coffee Emulsion or Extract (Optional): Deepens the chocolate and Irish cream notes without making it taste like coffee.
For the Ganache (optional):
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Balances the sweetness of the cheesecake.
- Heavy Cream: Creates that glossy, silky finish.
Food Allergy Swaps
This recipe is naturally egg, dairy, wheat/gluten, nut, peanut, soy, sesame, fish, and shellfish-free, making it suitable for most dietary needs, but always check labels for hidden allergens.
- Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy ingredients for non-dairy alternatives.
- Butter: Substitute butter with dairy-free butter substitutes. Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Vegan Butter and Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks are my favorite butter substitutes for baking.
- Cream cheese, I like to use Violife Just Like Cream Cheese Original.
- Sour Cream: Use your favorite dairy-free sour cream. I use and recommend Tofutti Better than Sour Cream.
- Sweetened condensed milk: My favorite dairy-free substitute is NATURES CHARM Sweetened Condensed Oatmilk.
- Heavy whipped cream: Aim for a dairy-free cream with at least 31% fat content if possible. I love Flora Plant Cream, but I know it’s difficult to find in the USA. I have used Country Crock Plant Cream and Silk Heavy Whipping Cream Alternative with fairly good results.
- Baileys makes a dairy-free line called Baileys Almande, which is made with almond milk instead of dairy cream.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust.
Process Overview: Step-by-Step Photos
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
Make the Chocolate Crust
Pulse the whole Oreos (filling included!) into fine crumbs. Stir in the melted butter until it looks like wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
Mix the Filling
Whisk the cornstarch and sugar together. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and lump-free. Add the sugar mixture, then gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk until creamy. Add the Irish cream liqueur, heavy cream, and coffee emulsion (if using). Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
Prepare the Cheesecake for Baking
Place the springform pan (with the cooled crust) inside a cheesecake protector. And then place it inside a larger baking pan. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
Prepare the Water Bath
Pour hot water into the larger baking pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan. Pour slowly and carefully to avoid splashing water into the cheesecake.
Bake
Bake for 40 minutes. Turn off the oven and let it sit inside with the door closed for 40 minutes. Then remove and cool completely before refrigerating at least 6 hours (overnight is best).
Make the Ganache (optional)
Heat the heavy cream just until it begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes. Stir gently until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly before pouring over the chilled cheesecake.
Decorate
Pour the ganache over the cooled cheesecake and spread evenly. I sprinkled some salt flakes to balance out the flavors. Refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes, or until set. If chilling longer than 1 hour, loosely cover with foil after the first hour.


Recipe Tips For Success
➤ Troubleshooting Tips:
- Cheesecake Cracked on Top: Sudden temperature changes or skipping the water bath can cause cracks. Pro Tip: Don’t rush the cooling process. Let it sit in the turned-off oven first, then cool completely before refrigerating.
- Lumpy Filling: Cold cream cheese is usually the culprit. Pro Tip: Make sure your cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. Beat on low to avoid adding too much air.
- Soggy Crust: Water may have seeped into the pan. Pro Tip: I highly recommend using a cheesecake protector, alternative you can wrap the springform pan tightly with two layers of heavy-duty foil and avoid tearing it.
- Cheesecake Too Soft to Slice: It likely needs more chill time. Pro Tip: Refrigerate at least 6 hours, but overnight is even better for clean slices.
➤ Extra Tips:
- Don’t overbeat the batter — too much air can cause cracking.
- Gently tap the pan on the counter after adding the filling to release air bubbles.
- Always chill completely before adding ganache.
- For clean slices, wipe your knife between each cut.

Is This Cheesecake Kid-Friendly?
No, not if made with traditional Baileys Irish Cream. Baileys contains alcohol, and while some of it cooks off during baking, not all of it fully evaporates in dense desserts like cheesecake. If you want to make it kid-friendly, simply replace the Baileys with Irish cream–flavored coffee creamer or heavy cream plus 1/2 teaspoon of Irish Cream extract. You’ll still get that smooth, chocolate-caramel flavor — just without the alcohol.
Variations & Additions
- Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
- Top with chocolate curls for an elegant look.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder for deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesecake is perfect for:
- St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
- Holiday dessert tables
- Adult birthday parties
- Dinner parties
- When you want a bakery-style dessert at home
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer (without topping): Wrap tightly in two layers of plastic wrap + one layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions

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Recipe Card

Eggless Baileys Cheesecake
Important
• For best results, I highly recommend using a kitchen scale to measure the ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups (275 g) Oreo crumbs (about 25 regular Oreos, filling included)
- 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Egg-Free Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 tablespoons (30 g) cornstarch
- 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 24 oz (678 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened (3 packages, 8 oz each)
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
- 1 can 14 oz / (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) Irish cream liqueur (see note for alcohol-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon coffee bakery emulsion or pure coffee extract (optional)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 2 oz (56 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- Sea salt flakes for sprinkling on top (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350º F (180º C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Make the Crust:
- Place about 25 whole Oreos (including the filling) in a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. You should have about 2 cups (275 g) of crumbs.
- Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and stir in the melted butter until evenly combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand. Break up any large chunks.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared pan to create a compact crust. A flat-bottomed measuring cup works well for smoothing the surface.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.
Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and sugar. Set aside.
- Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and sour cream on low speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until smooth and lump-free. Add the sugar mixture and mix until incorporated.
- Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and beat until creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Then, add the Irish cream liqueur, heavy cream, and coffee emulsion (if using).
- Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well combined. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the creamiest texture.
Assemble and Prepare the Water Bath:
- Place the springform pan (with the cooled crust) inside a cheesecake protector. And then place it inside a larger baking pan. Alternatively, you can wrap the outside of the springform pan with two layers of heavy-duty foil to prevent water from seeping in.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cheesecake pan.
Bake:
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly puffed while the center remains a little jiggly.
- After 40 minutes, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for 40 more minutes. This gentle cooling helps prevent cracks.
- After the second 40 minutes, remove the cheesecake from the oven. The center should still wobble slightly.
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the water bath. Let it cool completely in the pan (do not remove the sides yet). Once at room temperature, refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.
- When ready to serve, run a thin metal spatula around the inside edge to loosen. Unmold and transfer to a serving plate.
Make the Ganache:
- Place the chopped chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, making sure it is fully submerged. Cover and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir gently from the center outward until smooth and glossy. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
Decorate:
- Pour the ganache over the cooled cheesecake and spread evenly. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes, if desired. Refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes, or until set. If chilling longer than 1 hour, loosely cover with foil after the first hour.
Serve:
- Slice and serve. Tip: Dip your knife in hot water, wipe it dry, then make your cut. Wipe the knife clean and repeat between each slice for neat, bakery-style pieces.
- Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy ingredients for non-dairy alternatives.
- Butter: Substitute butter with dairy-free butter substitutes. Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Vegan Butter and Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks are my favorite butter substitutes for baking.
- Cream cheese, I like to use Violife Just Like Cream Cheese Original.
- Sour Cream: Use your favorite dairy-free sour cream. I use and recommend Tofutti Better than Sour Cream.
- Sweetened condensed milk: My favorite dairy-free substitute is NATURES CHARM Sweetened Condensed Oatmilk.
- Heavy whipped cream: Aim for a dairy-free cream with at least 31% fat content if possible. I love Flora Plant Cream, but I know it’s difficult to find in the USA. I have used Country Crock Plant Cream and Silk Heavy Whipping Cream Alternative with fairly good results.
- Baileys makes a dairy-free line called Baileys Almande, which is made with almond milk instead of dairy cream.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust.
- Cheesecake Cracked on Top: Sudden temperature changes or skipping the water bath can cause cracks. Pro Tip: Don’t rush the cooling process. Let it sit in the turned-off oven first, then cool completely before refrigerating.
- Lumpy Filling: Cold cream cheese is usually the culprit. Pro Tip: Make sure your cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. Beat on low to avoid adding too much air.
- Soggy Crust: Water may have seeped into the pan. Pro Tip: I highly recommend using a cheesecake protector, alternative you can wrap the springform pan tightly with two layers of heavy-duty foil and avoid tearing it.
- Cheesecake Too Soft to Slice: It likely needs more chill time. Pro Tip: Refrigerate at least 6 hours, but overnight is even better for clean slices.
- Don’t overbeat the batter — too much air can cause cracking.
- Gently tap the pan on the counter after adding the filling to release air bubbles.
- Always chill completely before adding ganache.
- For clean slices, wipe your knife between each cut.
- Add mini chocolate chips to the filling.
- Top with chocolate curls for an elegant look.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder for deeper flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.


































Delicious! I’ve been a longtime fan of Mommy’s Home Cooking since I have an egg allergy. My mom has also said her cheesecake is her favorite baked good and I’ve never had it due to my allergy, until this recipe came up just before her birthday! Only thing was I only had about an ounce of sweetened condensed milk to add and it still turned out great!
Hello Jen! This made me smile so much 💛 I love that you were finally able to enjoy cheesecake — especially in time for your mom’s birthday. That’s exactly why I do what I do. And wow, only an ounce of sweetened condensed milk and it still worked? The texture might have been a little different, but I’m so glad it still turned out delicious for you. xo